Tag Futebol

Whilst long throws, set pieces and teams centred around physicality are back in fashion, a lot has changed in the Premier League since 1992. It’s now the richest league in the world, featuring some of the best players and managers in world football. It is the ultimate destination. But, how much has the table changed in that time?

FootballBlog has released a full ranking of the Premier League table from its very first season in 1992 up until the beginning of the recent November international break. The table includes deductions issued by the Premier League and has tallied the wins, draws and losses by teams over the last 33 years. A total of 51 teams have featured in the top flight over the last three decades, but only 20 can make the all-time standings.

Premier League table by transfer spend per point 2025/26

The top flight would look very different.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 14, 2025 20 West Bromwich Albion: 490 points

They may be languishing outside the top six in the Championship these days, but there was a time when an away trip to face West Bromwich Albion was a day of frustration for any top side. They sit 20th thanks to the fact that they haven’t returned to the top tier since 2021, but it’s hard to forget just how impressive they were at their best – finishing as high as eighth in the 2012/13 season. And who could forget the form of Romelu Lukaku during his time at the Hawthorns?

19 Bolton Wanderers: 575 points

Ever seen a player so good they named him twice? That was Jay-Jay Okocha. The former Bolton Wanderers star formed the most unlikely partnership with Sam Allardyce during the club’s impressive 11-year stay in the Premier League. Their best finish saw them reach as high as sixth in the 2004/05 season and there still exists the famous video of Allardyce attempting his best dance moves with his star midfielder in 2003.

18 Sunderland: 637 points

Sunderland have been back to where they belong this season and are even on course for their highest-ever Premier League finish. The Black Cats have fought their way back from the depths of League One and may yet get the chance to move up the all-time Premier League table by the time that May arrives. A club built on the memories of stunning Jermain Defoe volleys and Kevin Phillips’ goalscoring heroics could now be about to form their most historic campaign yet.

17 Middlesbrough: 661 points

This time next year, we could be welcoming Middlesbrough back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017. It was then that they welcomed the likes of Alvaro Negredo, only to struggle in front of goal when it wasn’t the forward finding the back of the net. It was the third time that they suffered relegation from the Premier League in their history and everyone around Riverside will be desperate to earn redemption almost a decade later.

16 Crystal Palace: 728 points

Whilst there is a running joke that Crystal Palace always end the season sat in 13th, the all-time table has them 16th and their form over the last year suggests that they could be destined for better things. From mid-table mediocrity, the Eagles have soared to become FA Cup winners, Community Shield winners and a side competing in European football. This is without doubt one of, if not the best Crystal Palace side in the club’s history.

15 Fulham: 804 points

Like Palace, Fulham have often been accused of ending their seasons sat in mid-table, but they won’t mind that. The Cottagers have become an established Premier League side once again under Marco Silva and have caused plenty of upsets on their way. Alas, it’s their time under Roy Hodgson that stands out the most, with the veteran manager taking the West London side all the way to the Europa League final in 2010. 15 years later, no one’s forgotten the stunning comeback victory against Juventus at Craven Cottage.

14 Leeds United: 831 points

Like Sunderland, Leeds United are back where they belong in the Premier League. The Whites are full of top flight history and still have their place on the all-time table after the success that they had in the early Premier League years. Their most successful campaign remains a third-place finish under David O’Leary in 2000 to bring Champions League football to Elland Road, as Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Alan Smith all starred.

13 Leicester City: 846 points

It’s still absurd, isn’t it? Leicester City: Premier League champions. It remains the most impressive achievement in English football history, as the Foxes took the fight to the big six and somehow came out on top in the 2015/16 campaign. We’re unlikely to see a repeat anytime soon, if ever. Even after they suffered relegation last season, it’s tough to think about the Premier League without picturing Claudio Ranieri’s title winners.

12 Blackburn Rovers: 970 points

It’s been over a decade since Blackburn Rovers were relegated from the Premier League and they remain one of the biggest sides yet to earn promotion back to the top flight. From winning the title in the 1994/95 campaign, Blackburn were relegated in the 1998/99 season and then once more in 2012. History, however, will tell the story of how Sir Kenny Dalglish, with Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, took his side to glory in 95.

11 Southampton: 1,100 points

For a while, Southampton couldn’t get much wrong in the Premier League. They thrived under Mauricio Pochettino then hired Ronald Koeman to pick up where he left off. The Saints also quickly became Liverpool’s favourite club, with Sadio Mane, Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Virgil van Dijk all heading to Anfield for impressive fees. Although some will be quick to remember last season’s disaster, Southampton were once one of the best ball-playing teams outside the top six.

The New York Yankees' 2025 season hasn't gotten off to the best of starts in regards to health. Giancarlo Stanton's status has been up in the air throughout spring training and reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil suffered a high-grade lat strain. On Thursday, general manager Brian Cashman offered updates on both players' health and those hoping for optimistic news emerged disappointed.

On Stanton, Cashman revealed the slugger had received injections in both arms as he deals with tennis elbow in both his elbows. And while the GM refused to get specific about a timeline for the 35-year-old's return, Cashman acknowledged it wouldn't be in the near term.

In regards to Gil, Cashman was more concrete about when the team hopes the righty will get back on the mound. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound as though it'll be for a while. Cashman said the Yankees are hopeful Gil can return to the pinstripes in the summertime, and at minimum, Gil is looking at a six-week recovery time until he can start throwing again.

Not great for New York. But the players can grow beards now (pending management approval) so there's that!

West Indies coach said the match officials admitted there were errors made during the first Test in Barbados

Andrew McGlashan02-Jul-2025West Indies coach Daren Sammy said that the match officials have admitted there were errors made during the first Test in Barbados, but insisted he holds no grudges against Adrian Holdstock, who will move from being the TV umpire to on-field in Grenada.Sammy was fined 15% of his match fee and handed a demerit point after he questioned the work of Holdstock, particularly decisions against Roston Chase and Shai Hope, adding he had held concerns from the recent England tour. Chase was also highly critical after the match but has escaped any ICC sanction.”I said I wouldn’t want my players to do that press conference because of the questions I think that would have been posted at them,” Sammy said. “I strongly believed in what I said.Related

Sammy fined for criticising third umpire Holdstock

Chase calls out 'so many questionable calls' in Barbados Test

“We’ve had further chats [with the officials]. They’ve clarified some stuff. There has been some admission of error as well. This was Barbados and we’re now in Grenada, so we’ve left that behind.”Asked whether he regretted his comments about Holdstock, Sammy said, “I don’t hold grudges. I said what I said, based on what I saw. I’ve been punished for it. I wish Adrian all the best, to be honest. I mean, we’re all human. I have nothing against the umpires. I really wish he has an awesome game.”Australia have not been drawn into any debate around the umpiring, although they have admitted they came out on the right side of it in Barbados. But Alex Carey had fears his diving catch to remove Hope would be given not out when he saw the replays on the big screen.Carey dived full-length to his left to take an inside edge off the bowling of Beau Webster from Hope, who was well-set on 48 in his first Test for three-and-a-half years. Carey was convinced he had taken the catch cleanly.West Indies were unhappy about Roston Chase’s lbw in Barbados•Randy Brooks/AFP/Getty ImagesIt was eventually confirmed as out by Holdstock. Earlier in the game, he had ruled a low catch by Hope from Travis Head in Australia’s first innings as not out.”I thought it was out straightaway, yes,” Carey said. “I wasn’t confident it was going to stay out when I saw the replay, to be honest. It’s been a really difficult shift in the third umpiring in what’s out and what’s not out. Your opinion is different to my opinion.”I thought that was a pretty difficult game, to have five, six, seven 50-50 examples for the third umpire. He’s not going to please everyone up there, but I thought he did a really good job. We obviously know the other side and the other camp was a little bit disappointed with some of them. I understand that.”But I did think it was out. I never thought I fumbled the ball or had any reason to question the decision. It was a pleasing one to take. A good batter as well, who was scoring some runs.”Holdstock will stand with Richard Kettleborough in Grenada and then with Nitin Menon in Jamaica. Kettleborough will be standing in his 93rd Test, going past David Shepherd’s count of 92 as the most by an English umpire.

Real Madrid are winning on the pitch, but tension is brewing behind the scenes. According to The Athletic, several senior players are struggling with Xabi Alonso’s rigid approach and distant style, with some insiders claiming he "thinks he’s Pep Guardiola". Frustration is growing over the manager’s strict rules and intense methods, despite two big wins recently over Barcelona and Juventus.

• Alonso shakes things up

  Alonso arrived in June and made one thing clear: nothing at the Santiago Bernabeu would be the same as under Carlo Ancelotti. Old habits? Gone. It’s more than just extra gym sessions. Only essential staff are allowed on the training ground. Dressing room access before matches or at half-time is limited. Line-ups are no longer leaked. Even players’ entourages now face restrictions. The idea is focus and privacy. You can tell some players aren’t used to that. And yet, on the pitch, results are positive. But football isn’t just about results. It’s about personalities, habits, and comfort levels. That part is clear. Some players are adjusting. Others, less so. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  'He think's he's Pep Guardiola'

  Frustration is continuing to build behind the scenes. Some players feel their freedom on the pitch is curtailed. Some think Alonso is distant. An inside source close to the Madrid dressing room has opened up on the struggles Alonso is currently facing. Speaking to the Athletic, the source said: "Some of them have won so much without doing these things that when these have been imposed on them, they have complained. He thinks he’s Pep Guardiola, but for now he’s just Xabi." 

  That line reportedly keeps coming up in conversations around the squad. Not entirely flattering. Part admiration, part scepticism. Vinicius Junior’s storm-off after being substituted against Barcelona highlighted the tension, but it appears the problems may be deeper than that.

  Some feel Alonso is "unapproachable". Comparisons to Ancelotti’s open, warm style only make the gap feel bigger. Specialists in training, stricter rules, restricted access, changes all designed to improve focus. And yet, it changes the atmosphere. The squad is responding with improved levels on the pitch, but they are not all happy about it.

• Early successes, but growing pains

  Still, the approach is working, at least in part. Madrid top La Liga. Champions League form is solid. Young players are getting chances: Arda Guler, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Franco Mastantuono. Rotations keep the squad involved. Alonso’s staff – assistant Sebastian Parrilla, physical trainer Ismael Camenforte, analysts Alberto Encinas and Benat Labaien – are implementing a plan that clearly takes time and patience.

  "They are aware that they are immersed in a process that requires patience for the team to function as they have planned," the source continued. Some players are adapting well. Others are grumbling. Alonso seems willing to stick to his principles of discipline. The tension is a side effect, not a dealbreaker, at least for now.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Looking ahead at the Bernabeu

  Real Madrid are always under scrutiny. Every move is magnified by the media and Alonso’s balance of authority will be crucial to deciding his future. Senior players’ dissatisfaction is something to watch, and certainly something to manage, if the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man wants to keep his job. Los Blancos will look to keep building momentum despite the unrest behind the scenes when they host Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.

Tottenham co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange appear to already be working on the club’s recruitment drive in unison, with Thomas Frank and the pair reportedly eyeing a new centre-back.

Spurs transfer plans amid Paratici and Lange appointments

Spurs announced on Wednesday that Paratici has returned to N17 as a sporting director, over two years after he was forced to resign amid his worldwide ban from football.

Paratici’s comeback to the club is a major boost for the Lilywhites, with the Italian’s extensive contact list and reputation as a fearsome negotiator already paying dividends at Tottenham in the past.

1. Cristian Romero

£42.5m

2. Dejan Kulusevski

£25.5m

3. Rodrigo Bentancur

£21.5m

4. Pedro Porro

£40m

5. Djed Spence

£20m

The 53-year-old worked as an advisor to Frank, CEO Vinai Venkatesham, Lange and ex-chairman Daniel Levy over the summer window, but Paratici will now take up an official full-time role once again as he spearheads the club’s transfer strategy.

He will work alongside Lange, who’s been promoted to the same role, though the pair have very different responsibilities.

Paratici is seen as the dealmaker, tasked with securing high-profile signings and using his influence to get transfers over the line, while Lange is described as the talent spotter who’ll work mostly on Tottenham’s date-driven recruitment plans, scouting and the academy (Sky Sports).

Amid reports Tottenham want to sign another centre-half in January to back up star duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, a report from CaughtOffside suggests that Paratici and Lange have identified an intriguing option.

Tottenham expected to move for Lazio defender Mario Gila

As per their information, that man is Lazio defender Mario Gila.

Tottenham are seriously considering a January move for Gila, with the club emerging as a “serious candidate” to land the defender. His contract at Lazio runs until the summer of 2027, and while the Italians are not in a rush to sell, they value Gila at roughly £39-43 million.

It is claimed that Spurs aren’t afraid to meet this price, showing a willingness to pay, with Paratici and Lange expected to make an approach for Gila once the window reopens.

The 25-year-old, who was once a Real Madrid youth player, has attracted serious interest from other Premier League clubs, like Brighton and Bournemouth, who’ve both held talks with the player’s representatives this year.

However, Tottenham’s openness to meeting Lazio’s valuation could give them an edge.

Gila’s knack for ball progression, which Frank seriously desires from his backline, is apparently a key reason why Spurs are keen on the Spaniard.

It is also worth noting that Gila has already suggested he’s open to offers, expressing his commitment to Lazio last year but also refusing to rule out an exit in the near future.

أبدى وليد ناسي، لاعب نادي الوداد الرياضي، سعادته البالغة بانضمام الدولي المغربي حكيم زياش إلى صفوف الفريق الأحمر، معتبرًا هذه الخطوة مفاجأة رائعة ستمنح الوداد قوة إضافية على المستويين الفني والمعنوي خلال الموسم الحالي.

وقال ناسي في تصريحات صحفية عقب فوز الوداد العريض على أشانتي كوتوكو الغاني بخماسية مقابل هدف واحد، ضمن منافسات دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الأفريقية: “انضمام زياش إلى الوداد أمر لا يُصدق”.

وتابع: “لم يكن أحد يتخيل أن نرى لاعبًا بهذا الحجم يرتدي قميص الفريق، وجوده معنا يمنحنا دافعًا كبيرًا، لأنه لاعب يتمتع بعقلية البطل وخبرة عالية ستنعكس على الجميع داخل الفريق”.

وعن فوز فريقه الكبير على أشانتي كوتوكو، قال ناسي: “بدأنا المباراة بقوة وتمكنا من التسجيل في وقت مبكر، وهو ما ساعدنا على فرض أسلوبنا منذ البداية، طبقنا خطة المدرب كما يجب، واستحقينا التأهل إلى دور المجموعات عن جدارة”.

طالع أيضًا | مخالفًا الجميع.. آلان شيرر يوجه نصيحة ذهبية إلى سلوت بشأن محمد صلاح

واختتم لاعب الوداد حديثه بالتأكيد على أن الفريق سيبدأ الاستعداد مباشرة لمواجهة الديربي المرتقبة أمام الرجاء، مشددًا على أهمية الحفاظ على نفس التركيز والروح الجماعية التي ظهرت في مباراة كوتوكو.

وكان المغربي حكيم زياش قد أنهى مؤخراً عقدا لمدة ستة أشهر مع نادي الدحيل خلال الموسم الماضي.

وقضى حكيم زياش ثلاثة مواسم في تشيلسي بعد انتقاله في صيف 2020 من أياكس مقابل 40 مليون يورو، ولكنه فشل في إقناع الجمهور وقد انتقل في تجربة أخرى مع جالطة سراي ثم الدحيل ومنذ يوليو الماضي أصبح لاعباً حراً.

Real Madrid took to social media to congratulate Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz on his recent Japan Open triumph. The victory sees Alcaraz strengthen his grip on the world No. 1 spot after recently overtaking Jannik Sinner. A passionate Madrid supporter himself, Alcaraz was praised by the club for his remarkable achievement.

• Alcaraz' win in Tokyo

  Carlos Alcaraz defeated American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 to win the Japan Open in Tokyo. With this victory, looks set to end the year as the world's No. 1 in the ATP rankings and becomes only the sixth player in history to win eight titles in a single season.

Advertisement

• Madrid's congratulatory post

  Madrid's congratulatory message read: "Congratulations on your first victory in the Tokyo Tournament, dear Carlos Alcaraz. We Real Madrid fans are delighted with another triumph for the world number 1."

• Alcaraz's love for Madrid

  Hailing from the region of Murcia, Carlos Alcaraz is a passionate Real Madrid fan. He has often been spotted attending their matches alongside key figures at the club. Many supporters draw parallels between Alcaraz and Madrid, believing he embodies the same flair and determination that have defined the club’s rise to the top.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Madrid's upcoming challenge

  Alcaraz will be hoping his beloved Madrid can bounce back from their defeat to rivals Atletico when they face Kairat Almaty in the Champions League.

Hilton Cartwright and Cameron Bancroft batted through two sessions on day three in an unbroken partnership of 181 to set up an intriguing finish in the pivotal Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and New South Wales.Batting had proven difficult across the first seven sessions on a tricky WACA surface, but the veteran WA batters dug in to turn the match on its head. Cartwright finished 108 not out and Bancroft, playing his 100th Shield match, was unbeaten on 85 from 260 balls as WA reached stumps at 209 for 2 in their second innings and a lead of 144 runs.Related

• Six to watch for Australia on the road to 2027

• Queensland on brink of victory despite Webster's runs

• Dixon, Kellaway fifties, Scott four-for sets up thrilling final day chase

Just 0.24 points separated second-placed NSW and WA at the start of the round with a victory for either team putting them in pole position to reach the final. Given the stakes, WA will be eyeing a declaration at some point on the final day although the surface has flattened somewhat as the match has worn on.”It [the partnership] gives us options,” WA coach Adam Voges said. “There’s still some good divots out there. It’s certainly a new-ball wicket. It’s been a real arm-wrestle for three days.”WA quick Lance Morris looms as a key on the final day, but he may be restricted in how many overs he can bowl in NSW’s second innings. He has a restriction of around 30 overs per game to manage his body. Morris took career best figures of 5 for 26 off 20.3 overs in NSW’s first innings.”We were really clear with Cricket Australia around what Lance’s plans look like,” Voges said. “The game demands from Lance what the game demands, but we’re mindful of the overall management plan with him.”After trailing by 65 runs on the first innings, Bancroft and captain Sam Whiteman went about blunting the dangerous new ball combination of Jack Edwards and Jackson Bird with trademark firm defence.They almost got through to lunch until Whiteman was well caught low down in the gully. It was a tricky period for No. 3 Jayden Goodwin and he could do little against a fired-up Liam Hatcher who added a second wicket.Still 37 runs short, WA’s hopes rested with veterans Bancroft and Cartwright. They were pinned down after lunch and scored just one run in five overs as WA crawled to the lead.Cameron Bancroft plays down the ground•Getty Images

But Cartwright broke the shackles with a couple of boundaries off seamer Ryan Hadley and started to find his rhythm with the ball making a lovely sound off his bat. Cartwright has had a strong season with 694 runs at 53.38, but does sometimes fail to kick on from attractive starts.He almost rued another tease of an innings after edging a good length delivery from Edwards on 42. But wicketkeeper Josh Philippe spilt the catch after diving in front of Bird at first slip.Philippe, who moved from WA ahead of the season, and his team-mates were crestfallen in a crucial moment just before tea.Cartwright reached his half-century off 93 balls immediately after the break and Bancroft, who had been shackled through the second session, started to find his touch with his best shot being a six down the ground off spinner Chris Green.Cartwright continued on his merry way with his cover driving a feature as he continually dissected the crowded off-side field with precision.Bancroft had a nervous moment on 61 when he poked Green through the hands of Sam Konstas at short-leg, while Cartwright started to lose concentration as he neared his century. But he composed himself and reached his century just before stumps to cap WA’s turnaround.NSW had started the day’s play with a lead of 62 runs and looked to kick on after Edwards and Green had frustrated WA’s attack late on the previous evening.There was an unknown over whether Morris would bowl again in the innings due to his restriction. Having already bowled 18 overs in the innings, Morris did take the ball early on day three but it was Cameron Gannon who had Green edging to second slip where Bancroft had an uncharacteristic fumble before eventually hanging on.Morris then completed his third five-wicket haul of his first-class career after Sam Fanning claimed a superb catch at short square leg to dismiss Edwards, who fell just short of his half-century. It was redemption for Fanning after he twice dropped Kurtis Patterson, NSW’s top scorer with 86, on the second day.The unassuming Morris, playing a rare back-to-back Shield match, was somewhat reluctant to hold the ball aloft but deserved the strong applause from the crowd after a performance marked by sustained pace and unwavering accuracy.All eyes will be on how many overs he can bowl on the final day.

Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a new attacking midfielder has been unsuccessful to date, with Thomas Frank unable to land any of his transfer targets in such a position.

The need for a new attacking option in the role was evident before the Dane’s arrival, but after injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, such a need has grown tenfold.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze have been the new manager’s main targets throughout this summer, but the former agreed a new deal at Nottingham Forest, whilst the latter joined North London rivals, Arsenal.

With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, owner Daniel Levy desperately needs to hand the manager the tools and money he needs to land the player he desires.

As a result of missing out on the aforementioned duo, the boss has turned his attention to various other targets, but the Lilywhites face a race against time to complete a deal for their signatures.

Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder this summer

Over recent days, Spurs have made their move to land Como star Nico Paz, stumping up a £61m offer to land the Argentine before the September 1st transfer deadline.

However, the offer was swiftly rejected by the Serie A outfit, with the player now expected to remain with his current employers for at least the 2025/26 campaign.

The youngster isn’t the only player currently in their sights, with West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta another target they’re eyeing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist confirmed that the Lilywhites have reached out to the Hammers to discuss a possible transfer, with talks seemingly heading in the right direction for the 27-year-old.

It has previously been reported that the Brazilian could be available for as little as £40m before the transfer deadline, potentially seeing Frank’s side land themselves a bargain transfer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kudus

Despite failing to land a new attacking midfielder in recent weeks, Spurs have already conducted shrewd business in the transfer market to date – completing a deal for Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The hierarchy forked out £55m for the Ghanaian’s signature earlier this window, with such a figure seeming to be a bargain given his early-season form in North London.

He’s yet to find the back of the net for the Lilywhites, but has already racked up two assists in his first two league outings – with both coming in the 3-0 triumph over Burnley on the opening day.

However, he could also be aided in his attempts at the club if the hierarchy back manager Frank in the market, potentially landing a number ten who could provide Kudus with needed opportunities in front of goal.

A deal for Paqueta could see a reunion between the pair, after they operated together in the Hammers first team for two years – before Kudus joined Spurs this summer.

Any move could hand the new addition the platform for added success in North London, with the Brazilian’s figures from the 2024/25 season showcasing the creative threat he possesses.

Paqueta, who’s been labelled “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, ranked in the 94th percentile for through balls completed per 90 (0.7), whilst also ranking in the 81st percentile for passes into the final third (5.1).

Games played

33

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

78%

Progressive passes

5.9

Passes into final third

5.1

Key passes made

1.4

Through balls completed

0.7

Take-on success

45%

Goals per shot on target

0.7

Both tallies highlight his desire to break the lines and thread balls into dangerous areas, which could massively aid Kudus in trying to build on his impressive start to life under Frank.

He also achieved a pass accuracy rate of 78%, with 5.8 of his passes per 90 being described as progressive – further showcasing his ability to cause the opposition havoc at any given opportunity.

Paqueta has shown evidence that he’s capable of finding the back of the net himself, posting a goal-per-shot-on-target rate of 0.7 – which saw him rank in the top 6% of all players in England’s top-flight last season.

Kudus’ assist tally already this campaign could allow the big-money addition to return the favour to his former teammate in forward areas, should the Lilywhites hierarchy land the Brazilian.

The prospect of the pair linking up once again is certainly something for the Spurs fans to get excited about, with their partnership potentially playing a huge role in their potential success in 2025/26.

£40m would be a bargain transfer fee for Paqueta, subsequently landing a player with top-flight experience which could prove vital in any chances of Premier League title glory in the years ahead.

Their own Rice: Spurs begin talks to force through "world-class" signing

Tottenham Hotspur have made their move to land a top-level European talent in recent days.

4 ByEthan Lamb Aug 27, 2025

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time and has played in some iconic stadiums during his career. The Argentine has controlled games of football since 2004, starring for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami, with fans from all across the world flocking to stadiums to watch the attacker in action.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner won four Champions League titles with Barcelona and has played in plenty of countries across Europe, coming up against some raucous crowds during that time.

AI predicts how many Ballon d'Ors Messi would've won if he played with Ronaldo

AI tool ChatGPT has taken a look at how Lionel Messi would have fared alongside his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo

ByRobbie Walls Jul 11, 2025

Interestingly, Messi actually picked out one Scottish giant as “the best atmosphere in Europe”, with the Argentina icon playing at both Celtic Park and Ibrox during his time as a Barcelona player.

Games

6

Wins

5

Goals

8

Games

2

Wins

1

Goals

1

In 2007, Messi played in a 0-0 Champions League group stage draw with Rangers in his only visit to Ibrox.

He fared much better on the other side of Glasgow against Celtic, though, scoring braces in victories in 2008 and 2016, while also getting on the scoresheet in a shock 2-1 defeat in 2012.

He came up against Fraser Forster as the Hoops defeated Barcelona, with Messi later admitting he was left shocked by the goalkeeper’s display that evening.

“The performance of Fraser Forster against us was talked about for a long time. There was one game in Scotland when he was not human, it was the best goalkeeping performance I have seen. When Victor Valdes said that he was leaving Barcelona we even talked about him playing here.”

Messi decides between Celtic and Rangers for best atmosphere

Talking in 2015, Messi was asked to name the best stadium atmosphere he has ever experienced as a player. He named Celtic over Rangers, describing Parkhead as “special”, “a tough place to go” and “the best” in Europe.

Messi, who is now with Inter Miami in the United States of America, may never play at Parkhead again, but his three visits to Glasgow certainly left a mark on one of the best footballers to ever play the game.